Shells in Still Life (61 images)

Seashells, sea shells or simply shells are the protective exterior form of an animal called an exoskeleton, most often from a mollusk. But other animals besides mollusks make shells, such as horseshoe crabs, true crabs, and sea urchins, called a “test”. Some animals in the ocean which don’t have an exoskeleton to protect them will use an empty seashell for cover, such as a hermit crab. Even an octopus, also a mollusk, will use a discarded shell for cover.
Humans have...more »

Seashells, sea shells or simply shells are the protective exterior form of an animal called an exoskeleton, most often from a mollusk. But other animals besides mollusks make shells, such as horseshoe crabs, true crabs, and sea urchins, called a “test”. Some animals in the ocean which don’t have an exoskeleton to protect them will use an empty seashell for cover, such as a hermit crab. Even an octopus, also a mollusk, will use a discarded shell for cover.
Humans have long appreciated the beauty of sea shells. They are wondrous shapes and spirals, challenging the mathematical mind, and their surfaces can be impossibly smooth and colorful. Shells are used as decoration, horns, buttons, and currency. But modern usage is most likely simply a reminder of a peaceful and refreshing day at the beach, where our worries are diminished and our spirits washed clean.
However, with acid rains of today’s climate, the shells formed from calcium carbonate, are forming thinner and thinner layers. This would certainly increase the value of sea shells. But remember the true beauty of a sea shell is the living creature which creates it.« less